The St. Gregory of Narek Educational, Cultural, Youth and Spiritual Center in Rustavi (Armenian Diocese in Georgia),celebrated Armenian Christmas with grand splendor.

On January 21, 2018, members of the newly established local Armenian community and guests from nearby regions gathered at the Center, in attendance were diplomats of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to Georgia; editor of Georgia newspaper; the diocesan officials and young people from Tbilisi. Mr. Arkadi and Mrs. Natela Ghasabyans from Armenia, who have already established ties of friendship with the Center, providing assistance to the Center’s activities, arrived in Rustavi to attend the event.

The occasion was honored with the presence of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan.

Pastor of Armenians of Rustavi and Marneuli region (Armenian Diocese in Georgia), Rev. Father Narek Ghushyan; gave opening remarks.

The Center had been properly prepared for the event, as if showing the attendees the real picture of the birth of Jesus Christ, during which the Center’s students presented Christmas with its sacraments, holiday traditions and pieces of advice. The event with its decorations and performances was highly valuable, extremely rich and informative.

It was notable that the teachers had put a lot of effort, as the students had a good command of Armenian, which showed their interest and respect for their native language.

The event featured musical performances: songs, dances, melodies of Armenian duduk, recitation of poetry, showcasing the achievements of the Center’s students over the last months.

At the conclusion of the event, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan; offered his remarks, and conveyed to Armenians of Rustavi the blessings of His Holiness, the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. The Diocesan Primate expressed his appreciation and encouraged the students united around the Center, who take active participation in learning mother language, national culture and receiving spiritual education. Bishop Vazgen also extended his appreciation to the parents and teachers, led by Father Narek, who don’t spare any effort to educate the Center’s students with the spirit of an Armenian and by the commandments of the Church.

The event is a testament to the fact that the Armenian Church Mission in Rustavi, namely of the St. Gregory of Narek Center, is moving in the right direction, carrying out its purpose.